Hard 15 vs Dealer 10: Surrender or Hit?
Surrender in S17 games with surrender - but the answer changes with the table rules.
Why surrender is right
15 vs 10 loses about 51 cents per dollar wagered when you hit and even more when you stand - which is why giving up half a bet (50 cents) is mathematically the cheapest exit. It's one of only two universal surrender hands in a standard six-deck game (16 vs 9/10/A is the other family). No surrender available? Hit, and accept that you're playing damage control.
How the rules change the answer
This hand is rules-sensitive. Find your table's rules below - S17/H17 refers to whether the dealer stands or hits on soft 17.
| Table rules (6 decks) | Correct play |
|---|---|
| S17 · late surrender offered | Surrender |
| S17 · no surrender | Hit |
| H17 · late surrender offered | Surrender |
| H17 · no surrender | Hit |
🃏 Card counter's note
Counters stand on 15 vs 10 at True Count +4 or higher, when the shoe is rich enough in tens that the dealer's bust chance climbs.
Common questions
What is the correct play for hard 15 against a dealer 10?
Surrender. In a standard 6-deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17 and late surrender is offered, basic strategy says to surrender. Under other rules the play changes - S17 · late surrender offered: Surrender. S17 · no surrender: Hit. H17 · late surrender offered: Surrender. H17 · no surrender: Hit.
Does the dealer hitting soft 17 (H17) change the play for hard 15 vs a dealer 10?
It can. S17 · late surrender offered: Surrender. S17 · no surrender: Hit. H17 · late surrender offered: Surrender. H17 · no surrender: Hit. Always check the felt for "Dealer hits soft 17" before you sit down.
When should card counters play hard 15 vs a dealer 10 differently?
Counters stand on 15 vs 10 at True Count +4 or higher, when the shoe is rich enough in tens that the dealer's bust chance climbs.
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